Russia has placed its trust in its old bomber for the attack on Ukraine. However, before the strike, Russia upgraded this aircraft. The 72-year-old Tu-95 bomber has now transformed into the strategic bomber Tu-95MSM, enabling it to launch ultra-long-range cruise missiles like Kh-101 or nuclear cruise missiles Kh-102.
With the help of this bomber, Russia launched Kh-101 cruise missiles at the city of Dnipro in Ukraine. Previously, missiles were also launched in Saratov using the aircraft's older version.
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Tu-95MSM Strategic Bombers operate from Russia's Volgograd and Engels airfields. The aircraft was flown from Engels to Saratov in the last attack. This massive Russian plane is, in essence, a strategic heavy nuclear bomber. Interestingly, its first flight took place in 1952.
Only 500 Such Aircraft Have Been Built So Far
For 72 years, this aircraft has served first the Soviet Union and now the Russian Air Force. Previously, Ukraine's Air Force also used this aircraft, but none remain for them. Production continued from 1952 to 1993, with a total of four variants, and 500 planes were built.
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Soviet designer Andrei Tupolev created this aircraft. It was the Soviet Union's first intercontinental bomber, capable of flying from one continent to another, covering a distance of 15,000 kilometers in one go.
Let's Explore Its Features...
Six to seven people are needed to operate it, including a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, communication system operator, navigator, tail gunner, and additional navigator.
The airplane measures 151.7 feet in length with a wingspan of 164.4 feet. Its empty weight is 90,000 kilograms, but its maximum takeoff weight is 188,000 kilograms. Equipped with four engines and eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers.
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This aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 925 km/hr but generally cruises at 710 km/hr. It can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. It is the world's noisiest aircraft, revealing its presence long before arrival.
It Has Automatic Guns in the Rear Section
It climbs at a rate of 2,000 feet per minute. It is equipped with two 23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSH-23 autocannons. The standout feature is the autocannon mounted towards the tail, making it difficult to attack from behind. The tail gunner can obliterate approaching aircraft from the rear.
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For offensive missions, the aircraft can carry bombs or missiles weighing up to 15,000 kilograms, such as Kh-20, Kh-22, Kh-55/101/102, or eight Kh-101/102 cruise missiles. These are mounted on underwing pylons.
Now, Discover the Power of Kh-101 Cruise Missile
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The Kh-101 is one of Russia's subsonic cruise missiles, used by the Russian Air Force since 2010. Weighing 2,400 kilograms, it has a range of 3,500 kilometers. It can fly at a maximum speed of 964 km/hr. This 24.5 feet long missile is equipped with conventional weapons, although its upgraded version, the Kh-102, can carry nuclear weapons. Russia launches this cruise missile from the Tu-95MSM or Tu-160 bombers.
